Much like Seville or Barcelona, Madrid has its own energy, understated elegance, and nuggets of luxury. So whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or get away for a longer holiday, Madrid lets you do that in style.
In this article, we’ll explore the finer things in life when it comes to the City of the Strawberry and the Bear. Get in touch with one of our local experts and escape swarming crowds for a more exclusive experience. Your personalized itinerary will ensure every detail of your trip is taken care of. All you have to do is show up and begin the journey of a lifetime.
Shop Along The Gran Via
Welcome to the street that never sleeps, also known as Spanish Broadway. The Gran Via is where luxury, history, and convenience meet to create the ultimate retail, leisure, and dining experience. For over 100 years, this street has been synonymous with grand living. Each step brings a new sight, from theaters showcasing world-class Broadway performances to international shops like Lacoste, Mango, and El Corte Inglés. For a signature local piece, head to LOEWE. Spain’s favorite high-end bag store is sure to keep your souvenir suitcase packed with goodies.
Thanks to creative city planning, you can take a break near one of the many green spaces and enjoy the fresh air along the newly renovated streets. Limited car pollution and wider walkways make for a peaceful tour amongst Madrid’s most energetic crowds. The nightlife is even better, with V.I.P. bars, vibrant nightclubs that don’t close until 6:00 am, and a constant supply of delicious street food to keep you satisfied as you dip in and out of the city’s hotspots. You’ll feel like an A-lister, minus the paparazzi.
If you want to stay at the center of it all, head to N.H. Collection Gran Via, a stylish hotel praised by the Michelin Guide for its modernist style and luxury. Once inside, the fast-paced energy of the Gran Via is a thing of the past. Thanks to the 24/7 service, calm interior design, amenities like pet and child services, and closeness to Michelin-star restaurants like Paco Roncero, it’s the perfect place to lay your head and your bags after a day on the streets of the Gran Via.
Travel Tip: The Gran Via can get a bit crowded during the day, so talk to your guide about hidden spots and potential private shopping experiences.
Enjoy A Night At The Opera
A few steps in front of Europe’s largest Royal Palace lies one of the most famous structures of 19th century Madrid. The Teatro Real, or Opera House, is one of those grand buildings filled with decorative furniture, ample seating, and just enough old-world charm to make you feel like you’ve stepped into the golden age of entertainment. Each show’s host of performers and instrumentalists takes you on a spectacular visual and audio journey, whether you’re a long-time opera-lover or new to the scene.
When intermission rolls around, you’ve got a palate-pleasing culinary experience to keep you busy. Courtesy of the Ramon Freixa Catering team, the extensive menu features cuisine that matches the night’s performances. Each item is designed by Michelin star and Repsol Sun chef Ramon Freixa, with excellent wine pairings to top your evening off. The scenery matches the outstanding cuisine with an L.E.D.-powered starry night ceiling that pays homage to the theater’s original open-air design.
Travel Tip: Premium opera tickets can be pretty tricky to secure, especially if you want the best seats in the house. With all of the monthly attractions, there’s something for everyone, but to avoid the hassle, talk to our guides about advanced booking and early bird perks.
Explore Madrid’s Wine Region
It’s rumored that the Romans introduced wine to the Iberian Peninsula, but since then, the Spanish have perfected the craft. This next destination celebrates that with 8,860 hectares and three sub-zones dedicated to internationally renowned wine production. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, the D.O. Vinos de Madrid is central Spain’s pride and joy - where all the magic happens.
Intimate day tours include sampling strong and smooth variations of Tempranillo and Grenache wines regulated by generations of winemakers, ensuring you walk away with top-grade V1 selections. To capture the full wine country experience, pair your tastings with a Spanish lunch and of course, tapas.
The private tour allows you to ask personal questions about each wine maker’s process and sample variations not available on general crowd tours. You’ll leave with a bottle or two and some vibrant stories from the super-friendly locals.
Travel Tip: Wine tours can take some time, so wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket, as the vineyards can get breezy during colder months. For extra comfort, you can request private transport with a luxury car service to and from the vineyards.
Catch Flamenco Fever At Exclusive Shows
Born in Andalucía, the passion, flair, and confidence of Spain’s signature dance is often met with awe, and for a good reason. Each rhythmic tap of the dancer’s boot and swish of the dress draws viewers into a timeless story. Of course, an experience like that is best enjoyed with close friends in an intimate setting. With your own private flamenco dance and dinner night, you’ll get the artistry without the extra noise from a crowded restaurant or theater.
There are several flamenco houses throughout the city, with notable spots like the Corral De La Moreira and Casa Patas offering nightly shows. If you fall in love with flamenco, take things to the next level with a private dance class from seasoned instructors that balance performance with fun. Even if you have two left feet, the interactive lessons are lighthearted, leaving plenty of room for laughter and growth.
Travel Tip: For those staying in Madrid longer than a week, we recommend booking daily flamenco classes. It’s a fun way to unwind and immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Private flamenco classes and shows will need advance booking, so reach out to a local guide and ask about the best time slots and locations.
Conclusion
Ready to take on Madrid? Contact an expert guide and leave the planning to us. The greatest perk of a GoWithGuide personalized tour is the ability to skip lines and get to the good stuff. Your great Spanish adventure is only one click away.
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